Ropes, Riddles, and Robberies by Tonya Kappes

 

Book Summary

Ropes, Riddles, and Robberies by Tonya Kappes has Mae West heading to her hometown of Perrysburg, Kentucky to get answers regarding the fire that killed her family.  The fire was ruled an accident, but Mae’s recently regained memories suggest foul play may have been at work.  The Laundry Club ladies are going with Mae to provide support and help with the investigation.  Mae works to piece together the snippets of recovered memories along with information the ladies gather to arrive at the truth. 

My Thoughts

Ropes, Riddles, and Robberies can be read as a standalone for those new to A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series.  Everything a new reader needs to know is included.  We are finally finding out what happened the night a fire destroyed Mae’s life.  She lost her mother, father, and two younger sisters.  This Southern cozy mystery contains Tonya Kappes’ trademark writing.  Her stories have great characters along with a good flow and humor.  We depart from Normal, Kentucky for this tale and head to Mae’s hometown where she is determined to get answers.  Mae and the Laundry Club ladies head out in a blue camper (road trip).  It is wonderful how these ladies have become Mae’s family along with Hank Sharp, Dawn, and Mary Elizabeth.  We get to see a different side of Mary Elizabeth in Ropes, Riddles, and Robberies.  The “mama bear” in her comes out (she is still about Southern manners, but we get to see her protective side).  Mae reconnects with an old beau which brings out Hank’s jealousy (just a bit).  We get to learn more about Mae and her childhood.  I did feel the humor was missing in this story.  There is some, but it is not on par with the other stories in this series.  Ropes, Riddles, and Robberies is a heavier story that the previous installments.  I was curious about this whodunit.  I wanted to know what happened the night of the fire, and I was eager to meet the suspects.  I liked the added suspense.  I could have done, though, without the repetition of information (I got it the first time).  The ending left me smiling.  Ropes, Riddles, and Robberies is a character driven cozy mystery with a cold case, tricky riddles, a fierce fire, missing memories plus faithful family and friends.  

Ropes, Riddles, and Robberies releases December 31 and it is available from Amazon*.  It is part of Kindle Unlimited along with the other books in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series.  The next A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery is Paddlers, Promises, and Poison which releases January 21, 2021.  You can find Tonya Kappes' other books here.  I hope that you had a delightful Christmas.  My mother and I had a quiet one which was just what we needed.  I will see you tomorrow when I share my thoughts on The Monster MASH by Angie Fox.  It is the first book in The Monster MASH trilogy.  I hope that you have an uplifting day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.